Hint for No.573 connections on Jan 4, 2025

Create four groups of four!

CHECK
CLOCK
CRUMPLE
CROSS
HOOK
TICK
BUCKLE
ANT
BALL
STRIKE
MELTING
WAD
SNAP
SCRUNCH
BRANCH
CLIP

Step-by-Step Hint

Hey Connections enthusiasts! 🌟 You're in for a treat today! This page is your secret weapon to unlock those tricky puzzles. Dive into our expert hints and watch your connections game skills soar! Keep that brain sharp and enjoy the journey. Happy connecting! 🧩✨

Word Explanations

CHECK

CHECK is a term used in various contexts, like banking (to verify funds or authenticity), programming (to confirm correctness), or general (to ensure something is correct or reliable). It implies examining, verifying, or confirming something for accuracy or validity.

CLOCK

A clock is a device used to measure and keep track of time, typically displaying hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds. It consists of a mechanism that ticks at regular intervals and a face with hands that move to indicate the passage of time. Common types include wall clocks, wristwatches, and digital timepieces.

CRUMPLE

Crumple refers to the process of bending or collapsing under pressure, often involving the deformation of paper, fabric, or other materials, typically becoming皱巴巴的 or broken into small pieces. The action is usually sudden and involves a loss of shape and structure.

CROSS

CROSS is a versatile word with multiple meanings. It can denote a structure formed by two intersecting lines or beams, a moment of suffering or death, or the symbol of the crucifixion. It can also refer to a crossroads or a moment where choices are crucial. Additionally, in sports, a cross is a type of pass or a cross-section.

HOOK

HOOK is a literary device that captures the reader's interest, often in the first sentence or paragraph. It can be a surprising statement, a question, a vivid description, or a compelling anecdote. The purpose is to draw the reader in and make them want to continue reading.

TICK

A tick is a small, parasitic arachnid that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. Found worldwide, ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, and they attach to hosts by inserting their mouthparts into the skin. They are often found in wooded or grassy areas, particularly in spring and summer months.

BUCKLE

Buckle is a fastening device, often a piece of metal or plastic, that secures two objects by fitting into a slot or loop. It's commonly used on straps, belts, and shoes to create a snug fit. Buckles can be mechanical, such as those on belts, or decorative, like those on handbags.

ANT

ANT is a small, eight-legged insect that typically has a segmented body with a narrow front, which it uses for foraging. It is known for its hard exoskeleton, antennae for sensing the environment, and ability to carry objects many times its own weight. Ants are social creatures, living in colonies and performing various roles such as worker, soldier, and queen.

BALL

BALL, noun: A round object typically made of rubber or leather, used in various sports and games. It can also refer to a small spherical toy, a cluster of grapes, or an informal gathering of people. The word is derived from the Old French "balle," meaning "ball" or "sphere."

STRIKE

A strike is a labor action where employees collectively refuse to work in protest against certain conditions, often to negotiate for better wages, working conditions, or rights. It can lead to a halt in production or service delivery, affecting businesses and sometimes resulting in economic or social consequences. Strikes can be peaceful or involve more disruptive actions.

MELTING

Melting is the process where a solid substance transitions to a liquid state due to an increase in temperature, overcoming the intermolecular forces holding the particles together. This change is irreversible until the temperature cools and the substance reverts to a solid. Examples include ice melting into water and wax melting into a liquid.

WAD

WAD is a colloquialism for "What a Day!" or "What a Disaster!" It's used to express disbelief or exasperation with the events of a particularly good or bad day, respectively. It's a casual, informal way to convey the emotional impact of a day's experiences.

SNAP

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a U.S. federal program that provides food assistance to low-income households, helping them purchase nutritious food. It's also colloquially known as "food stamps."

SCRUNCH

"Scrunched" is a term describing something being compressed or crumpled into a tight, compact shape, typically by squishing or squeezing. It can refer to clothing, paper, or other materials being folded or bunched together. The word is also used metaphorically to describe a tight or constricted feeling.

BRANCH

"Branch" refers to a division or segment of an organization, business, or a tree. In organizations, it's a subset with a specific function or region. In trees, it's an extension from the trunk carrying leaves and branches.

CLIP

CLIP stands for Computerized Literary Information Processing. It refers to a system that uses computers to analyze, manage, and retrieve information from literary texts, often for research purposes. CLIP systems can process large volumes of text quickly and efficiently, offering insights into patterns and themes.

Group Hints:

Words are categorized into four groups—yellow, green, blue, and purple—each representing increasing levels of difficulty from simplest to most challenging.

Yellow Group

Shape into a dense, cohesive mass. The process involves compressing materials, like soil or snow, to reduce volume and increase density. This concept is often used in construction and in nature.

The group word is CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

Green Group

Secure your project with these essential items that bridge gaps and hold pieces together. Quick, they're a must-have for any builder's tool box!

The group word is FASTENERS

Blue Group

Unlock the final frontier by completing each task with precision, akin to a seasoned astronaut finishing their checklist.

The group word is MARK AS COMPLETED

Purple Group

The enigmatic image showcases melting clocks, surreal landscapes, and a whimsical figure, evoking a dreamlike state.

The group word is DEPICTED IN DALÍ’S “THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY”

With the clues provided, have you been able to determine the solution? Should you be at a loss, feel free to check the answers below.

Connections Answer

CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

BALL, CRUMPLE, SCRUNCH, WAD

FASTENERS

BUCKLE, CLIP, HOOK, SNAP

MARK AS COMPLETED

CHECK, CROSS, STRIKE, TICK

DEPICTED IN DALÍ’S “THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY”

ANT, BRANCH, CLOCK, MELTING

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